Current Status of Cord Blood Banks in Korea / 대한혈액학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: We analysed the current situation of public and family cord blood banks in Korea to provide the foundation for national cord blood networking system. METHODS: Surveys had sent out to 13-cord blood banks in the nation. Data were collected from 9 out of those 13 banks who replied the survey. Collected data were separated into several categories, and then preceded to comparative analysis. Each categories were as follows; the methods of collection and transportation of cord blood that are currently stored, laboratory profiles prior to storage, the system of storage, and the number of total nucleated cell (TNC) counts and CD34+ cell counts. The numerical distribution of cord blood units per TNC and CD34+ cell counts were analyzed. Also the proportion of transplantation eligible cord blood was analyzed as based on TNC counts and CD34+ cell counts per recipient's weight. RESULTS: This study confirmed the presence of 3-public cord blood banks, 3-public/family cord blood banks and 7-family cord blood banks in the country. Total of 14,497 units of cord blood were stored for public purpose (included 14,397 units of cord blood in 25~50mL volume freezer bag and 100 units of cord blood in vial) at the time of study (Jan, 2003). A number of similarities were noted in the methods of collection, transportation of cord blood and the laboratory profiles prior to storage from each bank. However, there were differences when it comes to the processing and method of storage. The HLA typing were examined by DNA analysis of either PCR-SSOP (sequence specific oligonucleotide probe) or PCR-SSP (sequence specific primer). TNC counts were found from 14,204 units (98%) of stored cord blood but the CD34+ cell counts were detected only from 3,283 units (22.6%) out of total of 14,497 units. The median number of TNC counts and CD34+ cell counts from the stored cord blood were 7.9+/-3.6x108 (1.24~71.8x108) and 2.0+/-1.9x106 (0.04~39.2x106). CONCLUSION: At present, our country keeps as much public cord bloods as foreign banks do. However, the public cord blood banks for actual patients were not facilitated well enough due to poor quality control for cord blood banks and exaggerated advertisement of family cord blood banking. This research suggests the establishment of public medical service that is led by government for the sake of public health.